Ordered an apostille from California for use in Europe. Excellent results.
I’m sorry to hear about other people’s experiences. Mine was excellent. I’m in Europe. I went to their main website and clicked on “California”, which took me to a page titled, “Apostille California”. I scrolled to the link to download the order form, which lists the company as “Apostille, Inc.” They’re in Burbank, California, not far from the State building where the Secretary of State’s office is located. I’m not sure whether they’re contracted by National Apostille or formally part of the company. Either way, Apostille, Inc. was incredibly easy to work with. I called twice, and someone answered immediately both times. I asked each person many questions, and they answered without irritation, even though I’m guessing they hear the same questions all day. Both asked me to double-check the name of the county clerk who signed my birth certificate. As I understand it, an older certificate signed by a clerk no longer in office couldn’t be apostilled. I would have needed to quickly order another birth certificate showing the current county clerk’s name. Imagine paying for and sending an older certificate only to have it rejected. Both employees made sure to ask, “What’s the name of the county clerk on your birth certificate?” Thankfully, mine was new enough to have the right name. Regarding the order, I specifically asked during the first call whether the more expensive expedited order would truly be expedited, since the form warns of possible September delays. I was told it would be expedited. Before I spent any money, they explained which days they went to the Secretary of State to obtain apostilles ordered during the preceding period. I sent my order from Europe, and tracking showed it arrived a day too late for that trip, but it made the next batch: on the next business day, they expedited it back to me and sent a helpful e-mail with a tracking number. I had very particular instructions for my European address, and they followed them. Additional bonus: I prefer UPS because of its tracking interface, and they used UPS for the return. There was a very small import fee due on the package (no more than lunch money for a day), and the UPS tracking page showed that the fee was due and provided a payment link. I paid the fee while the package moved through UPS facilities in Europe. By the time it arrived, there were zero delivery hiccups. The entire process was smooth as butter. Although a tad expensive, it was far cheaper and less time-consuming than flying back to California for the apostille. I especially appreciated being able to call people who walked me through the steps and followed through on expediting my order. In sum, I don’t know whether Apostille, Inc. is independent or part of National Apostille, but Apostille, Inc. in Burbank, California did a 5-star job with my order.
By Anonymous